January 26th, 2012 by ElizaP

The first thing most people consider when needing to sign up with a new ISP is how much it will cost them per month. And those who are on a fixed income may wonder whether getting the internet for free is a better option. The good news is that there are ways to get free internet which don’t require you to pay for a connection with internet providers in my area. The bad news is that not all options are legal, and others aren’t really free. Using your computer to seek out and use the unsecured home network of another person is considered stealing, and could result in a fine or conviction, depending on what you do while using the connection. And although there are free ISPs out there, many rely on advertising to keep their servers up, which means that you may have to view a slew of online ads whenever you want to go online.

January 25th, 2012 by ElizaP

If you’re with a smaller internet company, you may have experienced a number of issues. Some of the worst case scenarios include lost internet connections over days or weeks, customer service who either won’t answer or hangs up on you, and being consistently overcharged for services that you didn’t order or don’t use. So if you’re fed up with your current company, maybe it’s time to think about making the switch. But should you go with a bigger ISP like Qwest DSL? Truth be told, no internet company can promise perfect service 100% of the time. But a bigger company is more likely to have a more sophisticated customer communications system in place. This means more available representatives to help you when you need it the most.

January 24th, 2012 by ElizaP

Unified communications and simplified access are two of the main benefits of a new functionality announced by ATT Uverse today in a PR Newswire release. Called AT&T Unified Communications Services, the package will assist businesses with eliminating surprise expenses and controlling their costs. With the package, customers can use the cloud to collaborate and communicate from anywhere in real time on just about any device, even if the session is transferred between mobile devices and PCs. In addition, the services will allow for the switching between different types of communication, such as from a video conference to an IM chat on a mobile phone. The core of the new service is two-fold, with a UC Central component which integrates communication methods and tools, and a UC Voice component which provides high quality IP telephony from the cloud.

January 23rd, 2012 by ElizaP

A fast and reliable internet connection that doesn’t cost a bundle of money. That’s what the majority of people are most concerned about when they wonder, “Which of the high speed internet providers in my area should I choose?”. At the outset, making the decision may sound easy. But there are lots of things to consider before signing up with a company. If they aren’t reliable, you could run into many technical issues. If their speeds aren’t as advertised, you may end up with a connection that isn’t there for you when you need it most. In order to get the fastest connection at the best price, it’s important to compare companies before you commit to an internet package. Doing this can ensure that the decision you make about any ISP is an educated one.

January 20th, 2012 by ElizaP

You may not think much more than speed and price when you choose an ISP. But did you know that how an ISP is structured can greatly influence both your wallet and your internet experience? The tier classification of a provider indicates how big they are, as well as how much traffic they can handle. Tier 1 providers like Qwest internet can handle a virtually endless number of networks, and so are usually able to be what ties networks and internet-capable devices together. Tier 2 companies are smaller, but are the most common provider type, purchasing their data allowances and network capacity from larger Tier 1 companies. And Tier 3 ISPs operate over much smaller geographical areas, and service far fewer customers than those companies who are classified as Tier 1 or 2.

January 19th, 2012 by ElizaP

On the heels of a recent abandonment of its $39 billion bid for one of the largest mobile carriers in the country, AT&T is considering putting in a bid on a popular satellite network which could provide the company with up to four more years of capacity. And while the acquisition of the network could help the company expand its ATT Uverse network, along with generating additional revenue, experts say AT&T will have to pay a 77% premium – the highest paid by a telecom company since 2000 – to get it.  Although some financial experts say the deal isn’t worth the price AT&T will pay for short-term spectrum and little else, others see much potential in the deal, saying that the company could sell the TV portion of the satellite company. And the satellite provider may be perfectly positioned to find a buyer.

January 18th, 2012 by ElizaP

A new carriage agreement between the Tennis Channel and Verizon FiOS TV has resulted in the Tennis Channel being available to viewers. This multi-year agreement represents the latest in FiOS promotions and will offer coverage for events such as Wimbledon and the Fed Cup to all FiOS markets by today. All customers who previously had access to the Tennis Channel before the new agreement was signed will once again be able to view matches. Those who don’t have the Tennis channel can get it by subscribing to FiOS TV Ultimate HD or a premium sports package. The company plans to increase customer access to the channel in the coming year. The Tennis Channel is currently the only one of its kind offering top-level events.

January 17th, 2012 by ElizaP

When asking yourself “Who are the fastest internet service providers in my area?”, you may not be sure where to start. And in fact, many become quickly confused by technical terms that they may not understand. What really helps is to have a place you can go where everything is explained in a way that all can understand it. Then, identifying how much you use the internet and what you do when online can help you find the speed that will work for everyone in your home. Whether you want a connection like fiber optic or opt for a cheaper connection like DSL, comparing services online is the fastest way to ensure that you get connected exactly when you’re ready to. And online comparison can result in a lot of savings as well if you get in on exclusive deals.

January 13th, 2012 by ElizaP

It’s official: a popular Black History Month campaign will return for its fourth year and be provided by AT&T internet service. The campaign aims to inspire consumers to take action with a seven-day speaker series featuring host Common, whom some may recognize from the AMC series “Hell On Wheels”. Well-known and respected individuals, such as Mario Armstrong, Jeff Johnson and Desiree Rogers will speak at the series, which is free to the public and is now slated to occur in four new cities, including Dallas and Cleveland. But this year, AT&T has added a new social media facet to the campaign, offering a sweepstakes on its web site which works with popular social media sites and allows consumers to share their thoughts in text and photo about the campaign.

January 11th, 2012 by ElizaP

The OPASTCO Winter Convention in Lake Buena Vista, FL was the scene of the introduction of a new DSL diagnostic tool which will help DSL providers to reduce their costs and increase the efficiency of their customer service, according to a recent release by PR Web. Touted as the first of its kind, the application was developed by ZCorum, a broadband internet solutions provider. The tool , called TruVizion is already being employed by cable internet companies and has been highly successful, according to ZCorum’s Vice President of Sales. Considering that cable providers have had somewhat of an advantage over DSL companies until now, this new announcement was met with excitement, as it will make it easier for DSL providers to troubleshoot issues both in-house and with their customers.

January 9th, 2012 by ElizaP

A secure connection between all of True Religion’s 110 retail and international stores, along with its showrooms in four countries is now available, thanks to former Quest internet company CenturyLink. The premium jeans and clothing retailer, headquartered in Vernon, California can now remain connected with its customers, partners and vendors with a cost-efficient solution that allows the company to make any required changes due to company growth when they are needed. The interface is now integrated so that True Religion’s IT team can accomplish any necessary work instead of expensive vendors. On the customer side, the high speed network will ensure less time waiting in line to check out, and the ability to use the web site to find exactly what they’re looking for. The extra security also means a worry-free online checkout for customers.

January 5th, 2012 by ElizaP

Ten years of programming on television, internet and handheld devices was the deal signed between Comcast specials and Walt Disney Co. yesterday, according to Reuters. The deal, which includes Disney networks like ESPN and ABC, will bring them straight to Xfinity customers on any number of devices. Customers can watch their favourite programming either live or on demand. As well, a new channel – Disney Junior – will supply preschool kids with 24 hour programming. More than seventy services are included in this new contract. ESPN Executive Chairman George Bodenheimer says that this is an unprecedented move, as no other such agreement exists which aims to provide such a high number of services across so many devices using the latest technology.

January 3rd, 2012 by ElizaP

You may have heard that IPV4 addresses are running out quickly. Well now, there’s even more reason for high speed internet providers in my area to switch. According to a Multichannel News report, a top internet official has warned that ISPs need to adopt the new IPV6 addresses as quickly as possible, as there is only about one year’s worth of IPV4 addresses left. And because IPV4 and IPV6 addresses are not compatible, those who procrastinate and don’t switch to the new address soon may find that their customers or fans will not be able to reach their web sites, which could result in a very real loss of revenue. Statistics from last summer indicate that about half of the worlds ISPs and organizations had adopted the new addresses.

December 21st, 2011 by ElizaP

Verizon internet service knows its customers have been wanting a one-team solution to address growth and business innovation. And the company has listened, responding with its intention to create a global management team which will oversee all of its operations, including government, business and wholesale from all of its internet customers. Called Verizon Enterprise Solutions, the new organization will have the ability to offer integrated enterprise-class solutions to its customers, whether wireline or wireless. The move will allow Verizon to leverage its technology assets so that it is in a better position to pursue global growth opportunities. Verizon is currently positioned in the Dow 30, reporting 2010 revenues exceeding $100 billion. Almost 200,000 people are employed by the company, which is headquartered in New York.

December 19th, 2011 by ElizaP

One student drops out of school every 26 seconds. And Ohio schools will soon be receiving a boost for their School Resource Coordinator Program from ATT Uverse, according to a press release by PR Newswire. AT&T will contribute $7500 to the Communities In Schools Of Central Ohio (CIS)to prevent students from dropping out. The program identifies students and families in need, and then connects them to community support services. In addition, the program creates goals with students for attendance and learning, and has seen much success with keeping students in school that are dealing with barriers not related to education. As well, food, mentoring, counselling and clinic services are also offered by the CIS program. AT&T donated almost $150 million in 2010 to help further education as well as increase income for those in need.

December 15th, 2011 by ElizaP

You may have seen commercials for high speed internet. But what do they mean by that? The truth is that even the most basic of today’s connections offer fast speeds. If you’re looking for a new provider, you can go by the speed they offer. But if you’re interested in getting fast internet for less, consider what you do when you’re online. High-bandwidth activities like watching online movies and downloading will definitely require faster speeds. But if you only go to photo and video sites, or send lots of email and use Facebook, then you may not need a connection that’s ultra-fast. Fast internet speeds will cost you more. So why go for the fastest of the fast when you won’t be using it? A DSL or cable connection can offer you more than enough than you need without the high price.

December 13th, 2011 by ElizaP

That’s the rumor that’s currently circulating the internet, according to Digital Trends. And there are some interesting indicators that this may be true. The price of Netflix stock has jumped more than six percent today alone after the first publication of the rumor. But as yet, there isn’t any solid evidence which says anything about Verizon internet service wanting to buy the video company, or even that a ‘For Sale’ sign has been erected. But it can’t be denied that with Netflix’s recent troubles and subsequent stock drop, it would be a cheaper buy for any company who believes it can rebound and exceed its past performance. However, until the news finally breaks, if it ever does, customers can continue to enjoy the service and variety they are receiving from both companies.

December 9th, 2011 by ElizaP

Fierce Telecom reports that former Qwest DSL company CenturyLink will join several other high-profile companies which will be participating in CONNECTIONS II, a program which provides services to federal government agencies. Services include any that support federal networks, such as network solutions, customized design services and computer security. The $1.5 billion contract program is available to any federal agencies who need help with planning for transitions or changes to their infrastructure. CenturyLink was chosen due to the presence it now holds in the market as a result of its Qwest acquisition. As well, it is also a part of other non-CONNECTION II projects by the GSA, including the Defense Information Systems Network, Access Transport Services and the support of civilian and defense networks.

December 7th, 2011 by ElizaP

In a recent piece published by BusinessWeek, it was announced that of all of the wireless carriers in the U.S., only one has a network which offers the best performance. AT&T Mobility earned a higher RootScore, which measures the data and voice quality of a carrier. The data was collected both independently by the company and from the consumers themselves, who used a RootMetrics app for smart phones which tracked performance that’s indicative of the quality of a network, such as dropped calls. With consume assistance, the company was able to track network performance in a whopping forty-million locations in the country. An increasingly-apparent focus of competition in today’s mobile wireless market is network quality, and so has seen several carriers working hard to upgrade and ultimately improve the quality of their coverage.

December 5th, 2011 by ElizaP

A new deal between one of America’s largest wireless internet service providers and cable companies will allow the offering of wireless services to customers without the need to invest billions in building networks or acquiring wireless companies. Verizon wireless service will be made available to two of the largest cable companies in the United States. The cable companies will then price and bundle the service under their own brands. The new services being offered will include broadband and wireless voice and data, and customers will also be able to access and buy Verizon’s suite of wireless products, such as the iPhone. The $3.6 billion dollar deal will also allow the wireless giant and cable companies to market and sell each other’s services, making for more revenue on all sides.

November 30th, 2011 by ElizaP

When you need to get online, why stress yourself out by calling around for service when you can go online and find the best internet providers in your area in minutes? Online comparison sites are available to help you make an educated decision about your next internet company. But you can do much more than compare ISPs at a site like this; quality sites will allow you to learn more about different internet types so that you can identify the internet type that will work best for you and your family. Simply think about your household’s internet habits, and then decide how much you can afford for service every month. And then, all it takes is to sign up online. And when you subscribe online instead of calling, you can get exclusive deals in the form of free equipment and money off your monthly service.

November 28th, 2011 by ElizaP

Globalstar, one of the leading satellite internet service providers in the world today announced the addition of its SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger to the fire service safety kits of the Madrid Fire Service. The device is now a required component of the safety kits that firefighters carry while in the field. Finanz Nachrichten reports that the GPS messenger sends messages over the Globalstar network that identify the location of the sender, making it easier to track deployed fire fighters and better ensure their safety. A demonstration in October revealed that the SPOT Messenger provided a reliable connection around the clock. The SPOT Messenger comes as a welcome addition to the tool kit of firefighters, as most of Spain’s rural areas have little or no mobile phone coverage, making it difficult for firefighters to stay in touch with headquarters and each other.

November 24th, 2011 by ElizaP

Today, The Register reports that Ofcom, UK regulator of internet service providers in my area will not force ISPs to adopt net neutrality, but does want transparency for the benefit of internet customers. The ruling includes the following points: that any ISP claiming to offer internet access provide customers with access to the majority of the web, that ISPs can slow down service to curb P2P file sharing, and choose which traffic to send over their networks. Providers will be required to provide customers with an accurate estimate of their average connection speed before the purchase of an internet package, as well as communicate their traffic management practices to the customer, including the blocking of any specific services. What happens when a provider has blocked too much traffic or services will be dealt with on an individual basis.

November 22nd, 2011 by ElizaP

Most families have more than one computer in their home. And each computer usually has an Ethernet card installed. A cable modem is designed for one computer or, in some cases, a wireless network. Individual routers can be bought so that many computers can use the same cable modem, but the first place to check for what you need is online. Some internet providers may include a router for no extra charge when you sign up for their service. The best way to see what offers are available is to check company web sites. Being able to get equipment for free will only save you that much more money in the long run. Not to mention that you don’t need to run around if something goes wrong with your equipment – all you have to do is contact your ISP, and in many cases they will send you a new one.

November 18th, 2011 by ElizaP

When you’re looking for a new ISP, you may have some questions about their plans, but aren’t really into talking to someone on the phone about them. The good news is that you don’t have to. The information you’re looking for can be found online. There are a few ways to compare companies – you can use an online comparison resource to see what all of the companies in your area offer at a glance, or you can visit the provider web sites themselves to get details. Research is important, because not reading the fine print can cost you money in the form of contracts and hidden fees. Some companies like Clear wireless internet don’t offer any contracts and don’t require a credit check, and you can purchase plans by the day, week or month. This may benefit you if you’re trying to rebuild your credit, for example.

November 16th, 2011 by ElizaP

There are always reasons we need to change some things in our lives. ISPs like Quest internet change their offerings all the time, and sometimes this provides better service to the clients at a lower price. As expensive as utilities are today, it makes sense to locate the best cost breaks we can. One way many companies are doing this is by offering low-cost internet and computer services to low-income families. But if you’re interested in comparing ISPs in your area on your own, the best place to review costs and features is online. If you hate change, make the ones you must make as easy as they can be by doing them online and possibly saving money at the same time. You may also learn a thing or two about the industry terms used by companies to describe their speeds and services.

November 14th, 2011 by ElizaP

Numbers don’t lie – when it comes to entertainment, most people access it online from a variety of devices. That’s the news coming out of Salt Lake City, which was the origin of the latest report on internet data usage. The findings revealed that only 45% of internet traffic for entertainment ends up on laptop and desktop computers on fixed networks. The other 55% is flowing to smart TVs, mobile devices, game consoles and set-top boxes. The biggest way most internet users eat up their data allowances is via sites like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube. These real-time entertainment applications account for sixty percent of all internet traffic. And the numbers are getting higher, which has caused ISPs to pay attention, considering they are charged for the data allowances they give their subscribers.